Work and the Carceral State

This book offers an insightful analysis of how criminalization enforces labor exploitation, examining the connection between the carceral state and work dynamics.

In Work and the Carceral State, the author delves deep into the interplay between punishment and labor exploitation within the context of contemporary society. The book highlights a staggering statistic: during 2019-20, over 17 million hours of labor were performed by more than 12,500 incarcerated individuals in England and Wales. This labor force, often overlooked, represents a sub-waged group that the state discards once deemed unnecessary, raising critical questions about the ethics of such practices.

The narrative explores the historical roots of this phenomenon, tracing the connections between criminalization, immigration policy, and labor dynamics. By examining the legacies of transportation, banishment, and the establishment of correctional facilities, the author contextualizes current labor practices within a broader socio-political framework. This examination not only sheds light on the exploitation of incarcerated workers but also challenges readers to reconsider the role of the carceral state in regulating labor in the 21st century.

Ultimately, Work and the Carceral State calls for a recognition of the carceral system as a vital mechanism of labor control, demanding that society confront the implications of criminalization and its impact on work. Through a compelling blend of historical analysis and contemporary case studies, the book provides a thought-provoking perspective on the intersections of justice, immigration, and labor rights.